WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden made an unannounced appearance at the District of Columbia National Guard Armory yesterday after filling care packages for U.S. troops deployed overseas on the National Day of Service.

“I stopped by to say thank you,” Biden told a gathering of National Guard troops. “Thank you for all you do.”

More than 6,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen from 32 states and territories have been deployed to Washington, in support of the 57th Presidential Inauguration. The National Guard will be providing traffic control and crowd management in support of local and federal law enforcement.

“The vice president always has time for the troops,” said Maj. Gen. Errol Schwartz, commanding general, D.C. National Guard. “We appreciate him taking time with our soldiers.”